Female Reproductive System
Define primordial follicle
A primordial follicle is a small group of cells in the outer ovarian cortex with a single, large cell (primary oocyte) surrounded by a layer of flattened epithelial cells (follicular cells).
The clitoris
A small projection about two centimeters long and one half centimeter in diameter at the anterior end of the vulva between the labia minora. The clitoris corresponds to the male penis and has a similar structure. It is composed of two columns of erectile tissue, called corpora cavernosa. At its anterior end, a small mass of erectile tissue that is richly supplied with sensory nerve fibers forms a glans.
List the major steps in oogenesis
At puberty, some of the primary oocytes undergo meiosis. This division yields one secondary oocyte and one polar body. (first polar body).
Describe the descent of the ovaries
During fetal development, the ovaries descend from behind the parietal peritoneum to just below the pelvic brim.
Walls of the Uterus
Endometrium forms the inner mucosa layer, lining the uterine cavity with columnar epithelium, and contains numerous tubular glands. The myometrium is a thick muscular layer made up of bundles of smooth muscle fibers. The perimetrium is an outer serosal layer, which convers the body of the uterus and part of the cervix.
Distinguish between a primary and a secondary follicle
In response to increasing levels of FSH, the primordial follicles enlarge, and the surrounding cells undergo mitosis, forming a stratified epithelium of granulosa cells, Glycoprotein forms the zona pellucida, separating the oocyte from the granulosa cells. The follicle is now called primary follicle. As the ovarian cells outside the follicle divide, the organize into two layers called the inner vascular layer and the outer fibrous layer. When six to twelve layers have formed, the irregular spaces join to become a single cavity (antrum) and the oocyte is pressed against one side. At this stage, the follicle is known as a secondary follicle.
Labia minora
The flattened inner folds of connective tissue and stratified squamous epithelium.
The walls of the Vagina
The inner layer is the mucosal layer and consists of stratified squamous epithelium and forms the vaginal rugae. The middle layer is the muscular layer and consists of longitudinal and circular patterns of smooth muscle. The outer layer is the fibrous layer and consists of dense fibrous connective tissue and elastic fibers.
Labia majora
The outer rounded folds of skin, adipose tissue, and smooth muscle.
Primary organs of the female reproductive system
The ovaries consist of a medulla composed of loose connective tissue and numerous blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerve fibers. The cortex is composed of more compact tissue and has a somewhat granular appearance due to the presence of ovarian follicles. A layer of cuboidal epithelial cells covers the free surface of the ovary. Just beneath this epithelium is a layer of dense connective tissue.
The accessory organs if the female reproductive system
The uterine tubes function to carry the egg cell from the ovary to the uterus. The uterus is a hollow muscular organ shaped somewhat like an inverted pear. It is located medially within the anterior portion of the pelvic cavity, above the vagina, and is usually bent forward over the urinary bladder.
Describe how the ovaries are held in position
the ovaries are held in place by several ligaments. The broad ligament is attached to the ovary, uterine tube, and uterus. The suspensory ligament is attached to the upper end, and the ovarian ligament arises from the broad ligament and attaches to the lower end of the ovary.
